Using "RN" After Your Name

[DoGoodThenGo]

Years ago it seemed fairly common for nurses to add their type of license and or certification(s) after their name when it appeared in print, media, social papers, on checks and pretty much everything else. Some even added BSN and any other of a litany of degrees as well. But am noticing many nurses simply called or calling themselves just that. Cannot remember last time any nurse one knows putting "RN" after her name say on her drivers license or bank statment.

Is this part of a trend towards a more informal society?

[meandragonbrett]

I only use "RN, CCRN" when it pertains to documents at work or publications where it is pertinent.

[PostOpPrincess, BSN, RN]

Used only when I need i.e. professional setting. It can become cumbersome when people find out you're a nurse--then they start asking questions (laypeople, I mean) and then they want you to diagnose their neighbor's sister's cousin's nodules or what have you.

Life is easier without the use of the initials when in a non-professional setting.

[nursel56]

Actually, I've never seen anyone put "RN' on a check or Drivers License. An exception to that might be if she was involved in a nursing related business, such as Home Care Agency, Legal Consultant, or as an NP. It would only be used in print or media if it was pertinent to the story itself. Never seen it on a wedding announcement either. But if it was a career related awards presentation, then it would be used. Now that I've thoroughly confused you. . .:wink2:

[KateRN1]

Actually, I sign everything KateF*****, RN because it's just a habit. When you sign a zillion charts a day at work, then go to the store and write a check, it's just kinda ingrained and my pen does it all by itself without any help from me. :) I even went so far as to get RN, BSN printed on my checks, which I get through a partnership between my bank and my state nurse's association. It's not on my driver's license though, because it's not part of my legal name.

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

No - I have never used RN or APN or LPN or anything after my name (except by accident) - lol.

[elkpark]

I use my advanced degree, "RN" and my national certification after my name in professional situations, but not outside of that.

[blondy2061h, MSN, RN]

I was ticked at my health insurance company for denying a claim and wrote a letter explaining why it should have been covered. Singed the letter My Name, RN. Lame?

[DeeAngel]

I only sign RN after my name when I am signing something in a professional capacity. I never use the title in an outside setting or situation, what would be the point in doing so?

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I used to work as a supermarket/grocery store cashier about 10 years ago. I would have the occasional customer pay with a personal check and, voila, it would say, "Jane Doe, RN" pre-printed on the name/address section of the check.

I suspect that some people do this for status. Why else would you advertise your title outside of a professional or educational setting? I suspect that others do it because being an RN is excessively intertwined into their identities.

I've also noticed that American Airlines allows ticket buyers to include certain job titles next to their name, such as MD, RN, Ph.d, etc.

[Kyrshamarks, BSN, RN]

I would never advertise my title outside of work because I nurse to live, I don't live to nurse.

[caliotter3]

I also see no reason to use my title outside of a professional setting. Besides, it is best not to invite trouble of any sort. I don't advertise the fact that I'm a nurse. It might not be wise.